# row

/ˈɹoʊ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/row
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. a straight line

noun · CEFR A1

a line of people or things that are next to each other.

For teachers: a linear arrangement of people or objects, typically positioned side by side.

- We sat in the front row of the cinema to see the screen better.
- The gardener planted a neat row of lettuce alongside the tomatoes, ensuring each seedling had sufficient space to thrive.

Usage: In data tables, a row is horizontal, while a column is vertical.

### 2. a noisy argument

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

a loud, angry argument between people.

For teachers: a noisy dispute or quarrel. Pronounced /raʊ/ to rhyme with 'now'.

- The neighbours had a huge row about the loud music last night.
- The couple had a bitter row over their holiday plans, which resulted in them not speaking for the rest of the weekend.

Teaching tip: This sense is primarily British; American speakers usually prefer 'fight' or 'argument'.

### 3. to move a boat

verb · CEFR A2

to move a boat through water using long wooden poles called oars.

For teachers: to propel a watercraft by means of oars. Usually transitive when specifying the vessel.

- He had to row the small boat back to the shore when the motor stopped.
- The athletes rowed with perfect synchronicity, their blades cutting through the water with minimal splash as they neared the finish line.

### 4. to argue

verb · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

to have a loud or angry argument with someone.

For teachers: to engage in a noisy quarrel. Pronounced /raʊ/ to rhyme with 'now'.

- They are always rowing about who should do the dishes.
- The siblings frequently rowed over trivial matters, though they usually reconciled within an hour of the initial outburst.

### 5. pulling exercise

noun · CEFR B2

an exercise where you pull weight toward your chest to strengthen your back.

For teachers: a strength-training movement involving the retraction of the scapulae and flexion of the elbows to pull resistance toward the torso.

- He added three sets of seated rows to his gym routine.
- The trainer emphasised the importance of maintaining a neutral spine while performing heavy barbell rows to avoid lower back strain.

## Examples

- The neighbors had a loud row about the fence.
- The couple had a huge row over who should pay the electricity bill this month.
- What began as a minor disagreement over office seating quickly escalated into a bitter row that divided the entire department for weeks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.